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Amtrak chief: Northeast Corridor vulnerable to disruption

Because of old equipment and patchwork repairs, Amtrak faces "the threat of a major failure . . . on a daily basis" on the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak chief executive Joseph Boardman said Monday.

A passenger speaks on his phone as the train information board shows delays at 30th Street Station Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, in Philadelphia. Amtrak says train service between Philadelphia and Washington has been restored after being suspended because of damaged overhead wires. Spokesman Craig Schulz says passengers should expect delays as crews continue repairing the system and restoring the second track for service. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
A passenger speaks on his phone as the train information board shows delays at 30th Street Station Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013, in Philadelphia. Amtrak says train service between Philadelphia and Washington has been restored after being suspended because of damaged overhead wires. Spokesman Craig Schulz says passengers should expect delays as crews continue repairing the system and restoring the second track for service. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)Read more

Because of old equipment and patchwork repairs, Amtrak faces "the threat of a major failure . . . on a daily basis" on the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak chief executive Joseph Boardman said Monday.

Testifying before a congressional subcommittee in Bridgeport, Conn., about the effects of a September power outage that crippled Amtrak and Metro North service north of New York, Boardman said aging infrastructure and inadequate funding threaten the national railroad.

"We have an infrastructure that, while safe, is vulnerable to service disruptions at virtually any time and place," Boardman said, especially where congestion is greatest and backup systems don't exist.

- Paul Nussbaum